For this Lenten season, I decided to give up something I normally would take every day: the elevator. This has proven to be quite a feat. By the time I get to the fourth floor of my resident hall, I am slightly winded. By the time I get to the sixth floor my legs are on fire. By the time I get to the seventh floor, where my room is, I am huffing and puffing like I have just sprinted a mile. It’s kind of embarrassing, but also really refreshing. On average, I go up and down the stairs about five times a day. And one would think by taking the stairs multiple times a day it would get easier as time progresses, but I assure you it does not. Every time is equally as hard. But do not get me wrong. I am not complaining by any means, because taking the stairs everyday is something I would not have been able to do this time last year.

To keep a long story short, a fall I experienced in eighth grade left me with a slew of medical issues concerning my back, ankles, and skin. The issue that riddled the last two years of my life happened to be huge, swollen ankles which I conveniently called my "cankles." My lower legs were so swollen that daily activity such as walking or taking the stairs was a struggle for me. There were times I was in so much pain all I could do was sit there with my feet propped up and watch my friends carry on without me. It was a difficult time for me, but because I had been in pain for almost seven years straight, it was something I had grown accustomed to. I was not depressed or angry, but I was also not the happiest or nicest.

The Psalm for today reminds me of that character-building time of my life and demonstrates how God is always looking out for me no matter what. Even in the toughest of times, God finds a way to help us through it. “He pardons all your iniquities / he heals all your ills. / He redeems your life from destruction, / he crowns you with kindness and compassion.” I feel as though God did this in my life. He forgave me for my sins, he relieved me from pain, brought me out of a dark time and gave me the gift of compassion. This summer I was diagnosed with a type of arthritis that involves the joints and skin. The condition I had that stumped a surplus of doctors was finally solved. With this discovery came a new medication that relieved me of pain and allowed me to carry out daily functions of life normally. Although I am not technically completely healed, I am in a much more manageable state. Some days are better than others, but to finally have days where I am pain-free is absolutely incredible. I feel as though I have not been this happy in years.

This hardship I was blessed with has definitely helped to sculpt who I am today and for that I am forever thankful. I do not think I would be as compassionate, empathetic or appreciative of the little things in life without the journey God sent me on. And if the journey is not yet over, I know that I can get through anything because the Lord is with me and he is kind and merciful.

So for this Lenten season, every time I take the stairs to my room on the seventh floor, I am reminded of how wonderful the Lord is for giving me the opportunity to feel the burn in my legs and for taking my breath away in a way that was not even possible for me this time last year.